2 Peter 3:15-18

Written ~ 11-30-2023

2 Peter 3:15-18

15 And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— 16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to Him, both now and forever! Amen.

When you set out to read your Bible and stumble across something that doesn’t make sense to you, what do you do? Do you ask for clarity from someone you know has Biblical wisdom? Do you shrug your shoulders and just keep reading? Or do you try to interpret something in the best way for you to understand, not caring if that interpretation is right or wrong?

In this letter, Simon Peter is warning believers to be on guard and not get carried away with unsound interpretations of Scripture. Otherwise you may begin to have a gospel message that really isn’t the Gospel message at all.

Peter references the teachings of Paul. Paul was a gifted, anointed teacher of the Gospel message. His letters to believers have wonderful instruction and encouragement. Everything he spoke of in his letters pointed to who Jesus Christ is. His letters never compromised what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. The warning from Peter comes into play because believers can get “carried away by the errors of these wicked people.” To find out more information about who “these wicked people” are, read 2 Peter chapter 2:1-22, by doing so it will really help clarify that question. But the quick answer is… anyone who takes the Word of God and twists it to fit into their own evil desires.

Peter also says in verse 3:17, “…be on guard…so you don’t lose your own secure footing….” The Message says it this way, “…be on guard lest you lose your footing and get swept off your feet by these lawless and loose-talking teachers…” 

It’s important to test the words of some teachers by comparing it against the Word of God, some of it may sound good, but we must be aware of preachers and teachers who don’t have our best interest at heart and want to lead us astray. I know that can be difficult. What if you are a brand new believer and you’re not sure yet if a teacher is speaking the truth of the Bible or speaking from wickedness? That’s why it’s so important to have a friend, family member or a pastor that you know has solid Biblical knowledge to be able to ask questions and learn what the Bible is saying to you.

As this world continues to get more and more evil, the Gospel Message will be twisted. If the evil in the world can throw people off track to finding the truth of Jesus, then Satan has done what he came to do and that is to keep people from becoming saved. But look what verse 3:15 says, “And remember, our Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.” That means the Lord will wait as long as He possibly can before He comes back again, so every last person on earth can have the chance to make the decision and receive Salvation or remain in despair, anger and sin. 2 Peter 3:9b says, “…He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent…”

Let’s close today’s study with what Peter had to say in verse 3:18,

“Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to Him, both now and forever! Amen.”

Reading and studying the Bible, listening to a knowledgeable pastor, talking with a Biblically sound friend or family member can bring us closer in knowledge about who Jesus is and will bring us closer to His glory, grace and peace.

My prayer is that all of us will continue in this journey in the Bible to gain knowledge, learn how to be more Christ-like and grow stronger in our walk with the Lord. Don’t give up, especially when you don’t understand something you have read. Reach out and ask questions! Let’s learn together and “…be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight…” (2 Peter 3:14)

~AMEN~

2 comments

Comments are closed.